Odd-  fellows^  Indcpe-ndeni* 
ord(2»r  of  - - • Stneatot;  I ii.  -* 

tdvno  Vodgc^  no.  591 

It 


Conefifafioo 


/i 


i 


IIBRARY 


AND 


Rules  of  Order  and  By-Laws, 


i STREATOR,  LA  SALLE  CO„  ILLINOIS, 


Streator  Monitor  Printing  House. 


CONSTITUTION. 


Article  i.— Title;  Meetings. 

Sec.  I.  This  Lodge  shall  be  constituted  by  at  least  live 
metnber.s,  including  one  qualified  to  preside  at  its  meetings 
and  shall  be  hailed  and  entitled  ’ 

EDINA  LODGE,  No.  391^  I.  Q.  O.  F., 

‘ OF  THE  STATE  OF  ILLINOIS. 

g 2.  This  Lodge  shall  hold  regular  weekly  meetings, 
except  when  specially  otherwise  allowed  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Illinois.  Five  members,  including' one  qualified 

to  preside,  shall  constitute  a quoriUTi, 

§ 3.  Special  meetings  shall  be  called  bv  the  Noble 
SBrand  on  the  written  request  of  five  members',  or  by  order 
of  the  Lodge  at  any  regular  meeting.  A special  meeting 
The'ca'ir  business  other  than  that  specified  in 


Article  II. — Membership. 

belTbelievAn'l"  ™«.'^*’ership  by  initiation  shall 

be  a believer  in  a Supreme  Being,  Creator,  Preserver  and 

?ea;rora^I®”H^T’n  H««hallnotbe  under  twenty-one 
years  of  age.  He  shall  be  a white  male  person  of  eood 
moral  character  and  industrious  habits,  having  someTe 
spectable  known  means  of  support,  and  exempt  from  all 
h n"n^  which  may  prevent  his  gaining  a livelihood  Ho 
shall  have  resided  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Lodge  at 
least  SIX  months  previous  to  his  application  for  member^ 


980I>UC 


2 


Constitution. 


ship,  or  have  been  so  long  personally  known  to  brothers  of 
the  Order,  who  recommend  him. 

^ , A candidate  for  membership  by  deposit  ot  card 

;l:'wMoro?  thl.  LOg.  « .i™.  or  »FP"- 

cation. 


A candidate  for  me'nbership  as  an  Ancia^^^^^ 


^ '1  A candidate  tor  memuciMup 
Fellow  shall  have  an  eNpired  Jle-all  v , 

certificate,  or  other  he  sMll  be  ‘a  relident  as 

terminated  his  membership,  and  e s..  , ^ 

P'r^inf  m=.i.be™Wp  «P»II  : 

.ecutive  .p.r.,  be  over  PfP  J'"‘ f .Xl"  for  .»  Ancient  t 

s'rp?!ioi"“»;5i'bo^pp°p'” 

S'™! Te'.dmlite<l  .>  . non-beoefici.l  «,.mber, 

. .Li.  e^ 

feon  proposed,  and  shall^  . non-beneh.-. 

asked  tor  admission  by  mi  \ ^ j j Fellow  The  prop-'^ 

cial  membership,  or  as  an  ^“kne^ .-e^ 
osition  shall  '|!tee  othhree  for  investigatiom 

referred  to  a special  cerond  regular  meeting; 

who  shall  ‘PPPVe^'oh. f time  be  given;  wlicn,  unless  th* 

“fb"'  Phe  ballot  having  been  h.Iji  •• 

the  box  shall  be  auyyvfrden  shall  then  pas 

who  shall  examine  the  ballot  ; the  balk 

the  box  to  the  Noble  Grand;  wy.  ;hah  mspec 
and  announce  than  two  black  ball 

i^hrcaSe'shall  be  elected:  but  if  three  or  nmr 
appear,  he  shall  be  rejected. 


Constitution. 


3 


^7.  A proposition  for  membership  may  be  Avithdrawn, 
without  the  consent  of  the  Lodge,  at  any  time  before  the 
committee  shall  have  reported  thereon,  but  not  subse- 
quently. The  admission  fee  shall  be  returned  if  the  appli- 
cation is  refused  or  withdrawn;  but  if  the  candidate  shall 
be  elected  and  fail  to  appear  for  admission  within  six  weeks 
(except  for  cause  adjudged  sufficient),  the  election  shall  be 
void,  and  the  deposit  forfeited  to  the  Lodge. 

§ 8.  When  a candidate  for  membership  by  initiation 
has  been  rejected,  notice  thereof  shall  be  sent  without  delay 
to  all  Lodges  in  the  same  place ; and  he  cannot  be  again  pro- 
posed in  any  Lodge  until  six  months  shall  have  elapsed. 
A proposition  for  membership  otherwise  than  by  initiation 
may  be  renewed  at  any  time. 

Article  III. — Officers. 

Sec.  I.  The  elective  officers  of  the  Lodge  shall  be  a 
Noble  Grand,  a Vice  Grand,  a Secretary,  and  a Treasurer, 
and,  when  deemed  necessary,  a Permanent  Secretary. 

§ 2.  The  appointed  officers  shall  be  a Warden,  a Con- 
ductor, an  Outside  Guardian,  an  Inside  Guardian,  a Right 
•tind  a Left  Supporter  to  the  Noble  Grand,  a Right  and  a 
Left  Supporter  to  the  Vice  Grand,  a Right  and  a Left 
Scene-Supporter,  and  at  the  option  of  the  Lodge,  a Chap- 
lain. 

§ 3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  preside 
in  the  Lodge,  and  enforce  a due  observance  of  the  Consti- 
tution and  laws ; to  see  that  all  the  officers  of  the  Lodge 
and  members  of  committees  perform  their  respective  du- 
ties; to  appoint  all  officers  except  the  Supporters  of  the  Vice 
Grand;  to  appoint  the  majority  of  all  committees  not 
otherwise  provided  for;  to  give  the  casting  vote,  only,  on 
all  matters  or  questions  before  the  Lodge,  except  that  he 
shall  be  entitled  to  vote  in  all  ballots.  He  shall  inspect  and 
announce  the  result  of  all  votes  by  the  Lodge;  have  charge 
of  the  charter,  which  he  must  always  have  in  the  Lodge 
while  in  session;  draw  upon  the  Treasurer  for  all  sums 
that  have  been  voted  by  the  Lodge,  and  none  other.  He 
shall  convene  special  meetings  at  his  own  discretion,  or  as 


4 


Constitution. 


dil^ected  in  Art.  I,  g 3,  of  this  Constitution,  and  perform 
such  other  duties  as  appertain  to  his  office.  He  shall  not 
make  or  second  any  motion,  neither  shall  he  take  part  in 
any  debate  while  in  the  chair. 


§ 4.  The  Vice  Grand  shall  assist  the  Noble  Grand  in 
presiding  in  the  Lodge.  He  shall  appoint  his  own  Sup' 
porters,  and  the  minority  of  all  committees  not  otherwise 
provided  for.  He  shalf  have  special  charge  of  the  door, 
under  the  Noble  Grand.  In  the  absence  of  the  Noble 
Grand  he  shall  preside,  and  perform  all  other  duties  re- 
quired  by  the  charges  and  usages  of  the  Order. 


^ The  Secretary  shall  keep  an  accurate  record  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Lodge.  He  shall  write  all  communica- 
tions; fill  up  all  certificates  and  cards  granted  by  the 
I.odge;  issue  all  summonses  or  notices  required;  attest  to 
all  moneys  ordered  paid  at  regular  meetings,  and  none 
other.  He  shall  make  out  at  the  end  of  each  semi-an- 
nual term  the  Semi-Annual  Report  required  by  Art.  XI  of 
this  Constitution,  and  accurately  record  the  same  and  the 
Annual  Report  in  the  Register  of  Reports.  He  shall  also, 
at  the  close  of  each  semi-annual  term,  make  out  a report 
for  the  Lodge  showing  fully  its  work  and  condition  during 
the  term.  He  shall  perform  the  duties  of  the  Permanent 
Secretary  if  none  be  chosen,  and  be  exempt  from  all  dues ; 
he  may  receive  such  further  compensation  as  the  Lodge 
may  have  fixed  prior  to  his  election. 

He  shall  also  keep  a list  of  all  warrants  drawn  on  the 
Treasurer,  recording  the  date,  amount  and  name  of  person 
in  whose  favor  drawn ; and  if  the  warrant  be  payable  from 
anv  special  fund,  that  fact  shall  appear  both  on  the  warrant 
and  on  the  list.  He  shall  also  keep  a register  of  member- 
ship, enrolling  the  names  of  members  of  the  Lodge,  with 
date  of  proposal,  election,  initiation  (or  signing  of  the  Con- 
stitution upon  admission  by  card  or  certificate),  resignation, 
withdrawal  by  card,  death,  suspension,  reinstatement,  or 
expulsion;  also  recording  the  conferring  of  degrees  and 
the  attainment  of  official  rank. 

§ 6.  The  Permanent  Secretary  (if  any  be  had)  shall  be 
chosen  annuallv,  at  the  election*^  in  December.  He  shall 


Constitution, 


5 


keep  the  accounts  between  the  Lodge  and  its  members. 
He  shall  pay  over  to  the  Treasurer  immediately  all  money 
received  by  him,  and  shall  inform  the  Treasurer  from  time  to 
time,  or  at  the  last  payment  in  each  term,  how  much  of  the 
money  paid  to  him  belongs  to  any  special  fund  of  the 
Lodge. 

He  shall  notify  all  members  w ho  are  at  any  time  in  ar- 
rears for  eleven  months’  dues,  delivering  the  notice  in  per- 
son, if  practicable,  but  if  not,  then  mailing  it  to  the  member’s 
last  knowm  address;  and  at  the  expiration  of  the  next  suc- 
ceeding month,  if  said  member’s  account  is  not  settled  in 
whole  or  in  part,  sufficient  to  reduce  his  arrears  to  less  than 
one  full  year’s  dues,  he  shall  present  the  name  of  such 
iiiember  to  the  l^odge.  Prior  to  the  last  meeting  in  March, 
June,  September  and  December,  respectively,  he  shall  no- 
tify all  members  w ho  are  in  arrears  for  one  quarter’s  dues. 

He  shall  at  the  close  of  each  semi-annual  term  make  to 
the  Lodge  a detailed  report  of  the  business  of  his  office, 
and  have  his  books  written  up  for  the  Finance  Committee, 
whom  he  shall  meet  prior  to  the  first  meeting  in  the  next 
succeeding  term  to  exhibit  his  books  and  papers,  and  to 
aid  them  in  the  examination  thereof;  and  at  the  first  regular 
meeting  of  the  new  term  he  shall  present  his  report  to  the 
Lodge,  with  a statement  of  the  balance  of  account  of  each 
unsuspended  member.  He  shall  make  out  the  Annual 
Report  to  the  Grand  Lodge  as  required  by  Art.  XI,  and 
shall  deliver  it  to  the  Secretary  for  record  and  for  forward- 
ing to  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  shall  be  exempt  from  all 
dues,  and  receive  such  further  compensation  as  the  Lodge 
may  have  fixed  prior  to  his  election 

§ 7.  The  Treasurer,  prior  to  his  installation  in  office, 
shall  give  a joint  and  several  bond  to  the  Trustees  of  the 
Lodge,  with  two  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  Lodge, 
with  such  penalties  and  conditions  as  from  time  to  time 
may  be  prescribed  by  the  Lodge.  Such  bond,  before  being 
presented  to  the  Lodge,  must  have  been  submitted  to 
and  approved  by  a majority  of  the  Trustees.  He  shall 
keep  the  funds,  notes  and  securities  of  the  Lodge;  pay  all 
orders  drawn  on  him  bv  the  Noble  Grand  and  attested  by 


G 


Constitution , 


the  Secretary,  and  none  others;  keep  a full  account  of  all 
moneys  expended;  and  give  the  Lodge  at  the  first  meeting 
in  each  month  a statement  of  its  funds.  He  shall  keep  a 
separate  account  of  any  special  fund  instituted  by  the 
Lodge,  and  report  to  the  permanent  Secretary  at  or  before 
the  last  meeting  in  each  semi-annual  term  any  money  re- 
ceived by  him  as  interest  or  dividends  on  any  notes,  securi- 
ties or  stocks  held  by  him. 

He  shall  make  for  the  Lodge,  at  the  close  of  each  semi- 
annual term,  a full  report  of  his  receipts  and  disbursements, 
and  have  his  books  written  up  for  the  Finance  Committee, 
whom  he  shall  meet  prior  to  the  first  meeting  in  the  next 
succeeding  term,  to  exhibit  his  books,  papers,  securities, 
bonds,  funds,  and  other  property  in  his  possession ; and  at 
the  first  regular  meeting  of  the  next  term  he  shall  present 
his  report  to  the  Lodge.  He  shall  pay  over,  and  deliver  up, 
when  legally  called  upon,  all  moneys,  bonds,  books, 
papers  and  other  property,  in  his  possession  or  under  his 
control,  belonging  to  the  Lodge,  to  his  successor  in  office, 
or  to  such  person  as  the  Lodge  maj^  appoint  to  receive  the 
same* 

^ 8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Junior  Past  Grand  of 
this  Lodge  to  act  in  the  capacity  of  Past  Grand,  and  to 
deliver  the  charge  of  that  office  to  candidates.  Any  Past 
Grand  may  act  as  Noble  Grand  or  Vice  Grand,  when  le- 
gally called  thereto. 

§ 9.  All  other  officers  shall  perform  such  duties  as  are 
prescribed  for  them  by  the  regulations  and  charges  of  their 
offices,  and  the  by-laws  of  the  Lodge. 

Article  IV. — Standing  Committees. 

Sec.  i The  Standing  Committees  of  this  Lodge  shall 
be  a Committee  of  Trustees,  a Visiting  Committee,  a Fi- 
nance Committee,  and  such  others  as  may  be  created  by 
the  by-laws. 

§ 2.  Five  Trustees  shall  annually  be  chosen  by  ballot 
at  the  regular  election  in  December;  and  a plurality  of  votes 
shall  elect.  It  shall  be  their  duty  to  act  as  an  Executive 
Committee  of  the  Lodge  in  carrying  out  all  acts  not  other- 


Constitution. 


7 


wise  provided  for;  to  procure  Lodge-room,  fuel,  lights,  re- 
galia, and  all  things  necessary  for  the  comfort  of  the  Lodge, 
under  its  direction.  They  shall  take  the  guardianship  of 
all  widows  and  orphans  of  the  Lodge,  and  carrj-  out  all 
provisions  of  the  Lodge  in  relation  to  them ; and  shall  from 
time  to  time  recommend  such  action  as  they  may  deem 
necessary  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Lodge.  They  shall  pre- 
sent to  the  Lodge  at  the  close  of  their  year  of  service  a re- 
port of  their  proceedings. 

g 3.  The  Visiting  Committee  shall  consist  of  the  Noble 
Grand,  the  Vice  Grand,  and  the  Junior  Past  Grand.  They 
shall  keep  themselves  informed  at  all  times  as  to  the  con- 
dition of  a brother  who  has  been  reported  sick;  they  shall 
report  to  the  Lodge  what  benefits  he  is  entitled  to;  and  they 
shall  pro\  ide  for  his  care  and  and  watch,  as  his  case  may 
require.  If  a member  of  another  Lodge  be  sick  and  apply 
to  this  Lodge  for  relief,  his  case  shall  be  referred  to  the 
Visiting  Committee  as  if  he  were  a member  of  this  Lodge, 
and  it  he  be  entitled  to  receive  benefits  from  his  own  Lodge, 
this  Lodge  shall  advance  the  sum  thus  due  him,  and  for- 
ward an  account  of  the  same  to  his  Lodge  without  delay. 
The  Lodge  may  by  by-law  add  to  the  number  of  this  com- 
mittee and  prescribe  more  specific  details  of  their  duty. 

g 4.  The  Finance  Committee  shall  consist  of  three 
members,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Noble  Grand  on  the 
night  of  his  installation.  They  shall  audit  and  inspect  the 
accounts,  books,  securities,  bonds,  funds  and  other  property 
in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  and  the  books  and  reports  of 
the  Secretaries,  and  of  other  oificers  and  committees 
charged  with  the  receipt  and  expenditure  of  money.  For 
this  purpose  they  shall  fix  a time  and  place  to  meet  the 
Secretaries  and  Treasurer,  after  the  last  regular  meeting  in 
each  semi-annual  term,  and  shall  report  in  writing  at  the 
first  regular  meeting  in  the  next  term.  They  shall  also 
examine  all  other  financial  matters  referred  to  them,  and  re- 
port thereon  to  the  Lodge  as  soon  as  practicable.  Neither 
the  Treasurer,  the  Secretary,  the  Permanent  Secretary,  nor 
any  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  shall  be  a member 
of  the  Finance  Committee. 


8 


Constitution. 


Article  V. — Elections,  etc. 

Sec.  I.  No  brother  shall  be  eligible  to  the  chair  of  the 
Noble  Grand  unless  he  has  served  a regular  terrn  as  Vice 
Grand,  nor  shall  any  brother  be  eligible  as  Vice  Grand 
unless  he  has  served  one  term  in  some  inferior  office.  But 
if  all  qualified  members  refuse  to  accept  the  office  of  Noble 
Grand  and  Vice  Grand,  a Scarlet- Degree  member  may, 
under  dispensation,  be  elected  to  either  of  said  offices  with- 
out previous  service. 

§ 2.  All  elective  officers  and  the  Warden  and  Outside 
Guardian  must  have  the  Scarlet  Degree  and  the  Degree  ot 
Rebekah  before  they  are  installed. 

§ 3.  Nominations  for  elective  officers  may  be  made  at 
the  regular  meeting  next  preceding  the  night  of  election, 
and  on  the  night  of  election  immediately  previous  to  the 
election  for  each  office. 

§ 4.  The  elective  officers  shall  be  chosen  at  the  first 
regular  meetings  in  June  and  December,  and  shall  hold 
their  offices  until  their  successors  shall  be  elected  and 
installed.  They  shall  be  installed  at  the  first  regular 
meetings  in  July  and  January;  but  if  a public  installation 
is  had,  it  may  be  at  another  time,  but  not  prior  to  the  first 
regular  meetings  in  July  and  January,  and  in  another  hall 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  regular  place  of  meeting. 

§ 5.  The  election  of  officers  shall  be  by  ballot,  except 
in  cases  where  there  is  but  one  candidate  for  an  office, 
when  the  election  may  be  by  acclamation.  A majority  of 
of  all  votes  cast  shall  be  necessary  to  an  election.  Ballots  for 
persons  not  properly  in  nomination  shall  be  considered 
blanks,  and  blanks  shall  be  counted  as  votes.  When  there 
are  several  candidates,  and  there  is  no  choice,  at  each  suc- 
cessive balloting  the  name  of  the  candidate  hr.ving  the 
smallest  number  of  votes  in  the  preceding  ballot  shall  be 
dropped  from  the  nomination. 

§ 6.  If  any  officer  shall  be  absent  for  three  successive 
meetings,  except  for  sickness,  his  office  may  be  declared  va- 
vant  by  vote  of  the  Lodge,  if  he  is  an  elective  officer,  but 
bv  the  officer  who  appointed  him,  if  he  is  an  appointed  offi- 
cer. All  vacancies  shall  be  filled  in  the  manner  of  the 


Coistltution. 


former  selection,  to  serve  the  residue  of  tiie  term ; and  the 
officers  so  serving  shall  be  entitled  to  the  I'ull  honors  of  tlie 
office. 

Article  VI. — DEtiREEs. 

Sec.  1 Brothers  who  have  l^een  in  meinbersiiip  one 
month  shall  be  eligible  for  degrees,  but  not  more  than  two 
degrees  shall  be  conferred  on  a brother  at  the  same  meeting, 
except  under  dispensation. 

§ 2.  A member  desiring  to  receive  any  degree  shall 
applv  for  the  same  in  open  Lodge  at  a regular  meeting,  or 
cause  the  application  to  be  so  made  in  his  name.  The 
application  must  state  the  degree  or  degrees  required,  and 
must  be  entered  upon  the  records  and  the  subject  referred 
to  degree  session;  whereupon  the  Lodge  shall,  after  having 
been  closed  in  the  Initiatory  Degree,  be  opened  in  the  de- 
gree or  degrees  applied  for,  v.'hen  the  application  or  applica- 
tions shall  be  balloted  upon  in  the  respective  degrees;  and 
such  ballots  shall  be  had  in  all  things  according  to  ^ 6 of 
Article  II  of  this  Constitution;  but  the  conferring  of  the 
degrees  mav  be  done  at  special  meetings  called  for  that 
purpose. 

^ 3.  A member  absent  from  this  Lodge  who  shall  have 
been  elected  to  receive  any  of  the  degrees  may,  upon  appli- 
cation, receive  a certificate  requesting  any  Lodge  to  which 
it  may  be  presented  to  confer  upon  him  the  degree  or 
degrees  therein  specified. 

§ 4.  ' When  a ballot  has  been  had  upon  an  application  for 
degrees  and  they  have  been  refused  to  the  applicant,  six 
months  must  elapse  before  his  application  can  again  be  bal- 
loted upon. 

Article  VII. — Dropping,  Trials,  and  Penalties. 

Sec.  I.  Any  member  who  shall  become  in  arrears  for 
the  dues  and  assessments  accruing  against  him  during  the 
period  of  one  full  year  shall,  after  having  been  notified  in 
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution,  Art.  Ill, 
§ 6,  be  declared  by  the  Noble  Grand  dropped  from  member- 


10 


C oust  itiit  ion. 


i^hip,  unless  the  Lodge  shall  otherwise  direct. 

k If  any  member  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  found  guilty 
of'conduct  contrary  to  the  laws  ot  the  Order,  or  in  viola- 
tion of  its  principles  as  set  forth  in  its  lectures,  charges  and 
oblio-atons,  or  shall  be  found  guilty  of  any  dishonest  or 
immoral  act  or  practice,  injurious  to  himself,  his  family,  or 
to  society,  or  by  which  the  Order  may  be  scandalized,  he 
shall  be  subjected  to  such  penalty  as  the  laws  of  this  juris- 
diction or  the  discretion  of  the  Lodge  may  prescribe. 

^ 3.  If  any  member  of  this  Lodge  shall  have  reason  to 
beiieve  that  any  other  has  been  guilty  of  conduct  unbe- 
comino-  an  Odd*'- Fellow  as  shown  in  the  preceding  section, 
it  shalF be  his  duty  immediately  to  give  notice  ot  such  vio- 
lation or  oftense,  in  writing,  to  the  Noble  Grand.  The 
Noble  Grand  shall  forthwith  refer  a copy  of  such  written 
communication  (concealing  the  name  of  the  informant)  to 
a special  committee  of  three  membei^s,  which  committee  ; 
shall  proceed,  without  delay,  to  investigate  the  matter 
therein  stated;  and  if,  in  their  opinion,  there  is  just  giound 
therefor,  thev  shall,  as  early  as  practicable,  prefer  a charge  ; 
or  charges  * against  the  member  so  accused,  specify  ing  ; 
therein  the  particular  matter  of  offense  with  which  he  is  , 
charged;  and  the  committee  shall  have  charge  of  the  pros-  ; 
ecution  on  the  part  of  the  Lodge.  ( 

S 4 Anv  other  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  or  a member  | 
of ''any  other  Lodge,  if  his  own  Lodge  will  forward  his  < 
complaint  attesting  his  good  standing,  or  a member  of  this. 
Lodge  mav  prefer  an  open  complaint  or  information  t 
against  any  member  of  this  Lodge,  and  such  complaint 
shall  be  tre.ated  as  complaints  or  informations  mentioned  in 
55  3 of  this  article;  but  the  complaint  shall  be  read  in  open 
Lodge,  and  the  committee  thereon  there  appointed. 

g r Whenever  a charge  or  charges  are  preferred  agmst 
a member  they  shall  be  read  in  open  Lodge,  at  a regular 
meeting  The  Secretary  shall  immediately  furnish  a copy 
thereof?  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  to  the  member  so 
accused,  and  at  the  same  time  cite  said  member  to  appear 
before  the  Lodge  at  the  second  regular  meeting  thereafter, 
to  answer  thereto.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  Secre- 


Constitution, 


11 


tarv,  upon  receiving  from  the  committee  a list  of  the  names 
of  the  witnesses  required  to  sustain  the  complaint,  to  cite 
them  to  appear  before  the  Lodge,  as  also  those  who  may  be 
required  by  the  accused,  to  give  testimony  at  the  time  of 
trial,  provided  said  witnesses  be  members  of  the  Order;  but 
if  saich  witnesses  are  not  members  of  the  Order,  the  Noble 
Grand  shall  appoint  one  or  more  members  having  the 
Scarlet  Degree  as  a committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
take  the  testimony  of  such  witnesses,  and  return  the  same, 
in  writing,  to  the  Noble  Grand  or  Secretary,  by  the  even- 
ing set  for  the  trial — the  accused  member  being  first  noti- 
fied of  the  time  and  place  of  taking  such  testimon  y. 

^ 6.  If  the  Secretary  is  unable  personally  to  serve  a 
copy  of  the  charges  and  citation  on  an  accused  member,  by 
reason  of  his  permanent  absence,  concealment,  or  incarcer- 
ation, a copy  of  the  citation  and  charges  left  at  his 
usual  or  last  known  place  of  abode,  or  deposited  in  the 
mail,  so  directed,  shall  be  deemed  a legal  notice  or  cita- 
tion ; and  the  Lodge  may  proceed  with  the  trial  as  if  the 
accused  were  present.  The  Noble  Grand  shall  appoint 
counsel  to  defend  him,  if  none  appears  for  him. 

§ 7.  The  Lodge  at  said  second  regular  meeting,  or  at 
such  other  time  as  may  then  be  fixed,  shall  proceed  wdth 
the  investigation  or  trial  of  the  case,  with  a full  hearing  of 
all  testimony  and  the  defense  of  the  accused  member.  The 
oral  testimony  shall  be  reduced  to  writing  as  it  is  given, 
and  made  part  of  the  record.  The  Lodge  shall  then  pro- 
ceed to  vote  upon  the  charge  or  charges  preferred ; but  no 
member  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  unless  he  were  present 
during  the  whole  of  the  hearing  of  the  testimony  and  of 
the  arguments  thereon.  If  the  charges  be  sustained,  in 
w^hole  or  in  part,  by  a vote  of  two  thirds  of  the  members 
entitled  to  vote  on  the  question,  the  accused  shall  retire  to 
the  ante-room.  The  Secretary  shall  then  read  to  the 
Lodge  the  charge  or  charges  or  part  or  parts  thereof  that 
have  b^^en  sustained,  when  the  Noble  Grand,  without  mo- 
tion, shall  proceed  to  put  to  vmte  the  highest  order  of  pun- 
ishment— expulsion;  and  if  that  be  not  agreed  to,  he  shall 
put  the  next — suspension;  and  shall  so  proceed  until  some 


12 


Constitution, 


order  of  punishment  is  a'^reect  to  by  a vote  of  tuo-thirds 

of  tl>e  members  present.  One  penalty  only  shall  be  in- 
flicted  as  the  result  of  one  trial. 

K 8 Whenever  the  Lodge  shall  determine  upon  snspen 
Sion  a motion  mav  he  made  to  fix  the  fme  and  two 
amtndments  mav  be  offered  thereto,  which  shall  be  decided 
without  debate  the  Noble  Grand  shall  put  them  to  vote, 

commencint;  with  the  longest  period  of  time  therein  named, 

and  if  all  of  them  be  rejected,  a second  motion  niay  U 
made,  and  two  amendments  permitted  thereto,  which  shall 
be  pul  to  vote  in  like  manner;  and  the  Lodge  shall  jao- 
ceed  unfl  some  period  for  suspension  is  agreed  to.  Bu 
suspension  of  membership  shall  work  no  suspension  of  ^ 
dues  and  arrearages,  but  they  shall  run  on  during  , 

suspension.  If  the  Lodge  shall  decide  to  punish  by  fine 
the  same  course  shall  be  adopted  in  determining  the  amount  ^ 
thLVof  as  is  above  provided  in  fixing  the  time  of  snspen-  ^ 
sion;  and  in  either  case,  of  fixing  the  time  of  suspension  o ^ 
amount  of  fine,  the  majoritv  of  the  members  present  shall 
decide  the  period  of  time  or  amount.  But  no  suspension 
mav  be  shclrter  than  eight  days,  or  longer  than  one  year. 

S g.  When  the  misconduct  is  confessed  by  the  accused  ■ 
brother  the  Loeb^-e  to  which  such  case  is  relerred  mav  pro- 
ceed  to’vote  upon  his  punishment  without  the  lormula  of  a ^ 

The  only  legal  penalties  for  misconduct  are  fine  | 

as  penalty  for  violation  of  the  principles  ot  the  Oidei  . ■ 

'Ll  ‘The  penalty  for  intoxication  is  reprimand  foi  the 
(ii-ft  ot&nce,  suspendon  for  the  second,  and  expulsion  toiu 
the  third;  and  no  other  penalties  are  legal. 

S 12.  When  a difinite  penalty  is  fixed  by  law  foi  a".'  ° 
feiL  a brother  convicted  thereof  is  sentenced  wnthout  fin- 

thervote:  if  alternatives -ire  fixed,  the  Lodge  chooses  one 

of  them  accused  member  shall  evade  the  I'eceiv  ng 

of\a  citation,  or,  after  receiving  the  same,  shall 
4‘Le  to  attend ’the  Lodge  at  the  time  therein  fixed  and 
there  remain  throughout  the  investagition  or  trial  of  his 


Constitution , 


case,  the  Lodge  may  proceed  in  hi>  absence  to  expel  him 
for  contempt. 

14  At  all  stages  of  the  proceedings  the  accused  shall 
have  all  opportunity  to  vindicate  himself:  and  in  case  of 
suspension  or  expulsion  follow  ing  tlie  constructive  citation 
provided  tor  in  § 6 of  this  article,  or  in  case  of  alleged  con- 
tempt, the  accused  shall  be  entitled  to  a new  trial  at  any 
time  within  six  months,  if  he  shall  show  that  his  abvsence 
was  produced  by  unavoidable  circumstances,  or  that  injus- 
tice was  done  him. 

^15.  Any  three  members  teeling  j^grieved  by  the  de- 
cision of  the  Lodge  in  a trial  shall  be  entitled  to  an  appeal 
to  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  appeal  must  be  entered  accord- 
ing to  the  laws  and  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  on 
the  matter  of  appeals  ; and,  on  command  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
the  brother  may  be  tried  anew  for  the  same  otfense. 

^ 16.  Any  brother  having  been  suspended  or  expelled, 
notice  thereof  shall  be  sent  Avithout  delay  to  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary and  to  all  the  Lodges  in  the  same  place : and  a brother 
who  has  been  legally  expelled  shall  not  be  admitted  to 
membership  again  without  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

^ 17  If  any  member  of  the  Lodge  shall  make  to  the 
Noble  Grand  any  accusation  against  a brother,  under  § 3 of 
this  article,  which  shall  be  proved  to  be  without  reasonable 
grounds,  or  false  and  malicious,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Noble  Grand  to  deliver  up  the  name  of  the  informant  to 
the  Lodge,  on  demand  of  a majority  of  the  members  there- 
of present,  that  he  may  be  dealt  with  accordin  gly. 

§ 18.  This  Lodge  shall  have  a black-bo  >k,  in  which 
shall  be  entered  the  names  of  all  persons  rejected,  suspen- 
ded for  cause  or  expelled  by  this  Lodge,  or  an  y other  Lodge, 
of  which  they  may  have  received  due  notice,  with  the  date 
and  cause  of  such  suspension  or  expulsion. 

§ 19.  If  three  members  of  a Lodge  in  which  charges 
may  be  preferred  against  a member  are  of  op'nion  that  the 
accused  will  not  receive  an  impartial  trial  at  the  hands  of 
the  Lodge,  and  present  such  opinion  in  writ  ng,  then,  when 
the  register  of  written  evidence  is  reported  by  the  commit- 
tee, and  the  case  is  ready  for  the  hearing  of  oral  testimony. 


14 


Constitiction, 


if  any,  the  trial  shall  he  removed  to  the  nearest  convenient 
Lodge.  When  there  are  several  Lodges  in  the  immediate 
vicinage,  the  majority  shall  direct  to  which  the  removal 
shall  be  made, 

A copy  of  the  record  of  all  proceedings  up  to  the  time  of 
removal  shall  be  sent  to  the  Lodge  to  which  removal  is 
made,  with  the  original  papers  of  the  case,  and  a transcript 
of  all  letters  relating  thereto;  and  such  Lodge  shall  proceed 
to  the  hearing,  scrutiny  and  decision  as  if  the  accusation  had 
been  first  therein  preferred. 

The  Lodge  from  which  the  venue  is  changed  shall  pav 
all  necessary  expenses  incurred  in  such  trial  by  the  Lodge 
to  which  the  venue  is  changed. 

g 20.  Upon  such  removal,  the  prosecuting  committee, 
or  some  advocate  appointed  by  the  Noble  Grand  of  the  re-  ' 
moving  l.odge,  may  present  the  case,  and  the  accused  may 
appear  by  himself  or  attorney,  as  if  no  such  removal  had  ta-  i 
ken  place.  ? 

§ 21.  If  any  member  of  the  Order  residing  near  the  re-  ; 
moving  Lodge,  Avho  can  not  attend  the  trial  after  the  remov-  ■ 
al,  be  summoned  as  a witness  on  either  side,  his  testimony  ; 
may  be  taken  in  the  manner  above  provided  respecting  the  j 
testimony  of  persons  not  members  of  the  Order,  and  may  ; 
be  made  a part  of  the  register  of  evidence;  and  all  oral  evi-  \ 
dence  taken  at  the  trial  shall  be  reduced  to  writing  and  ad-  j 
ded  to  the  register  of  evidence  transferred  by  the  removing  i 
Lodge.  ■ '( 

g 22.  When  the  matter  has  been  determined,  a copy  of  ‘ 
the  record  of  the  proceedings  had  the?reon,  with  the  register  | 
of  the  evidence,  shall  be  returned  to  the  removing  Lodge : . 
and  the  same  shall  be  filed  in  its  archives,  and  the  judge-  ' 
ment  entered  upon  its  records.  An  appeal  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  may  be  had  in  case  of  a removed  trial,  as  in  other 
cases. 

g 23.  All  votes  taken  under  the  provisions  of  this  arti- 
cle shall  be  by  ballot  with  bails. 

Article  VUI.  — Reinstatements. 

Section  i.  A brother  dropped  for  non-paymant  of  dues 


C oust  Itut  10)1 . 


15 


from  membership  in  this  Lodge  may,  within  one  year  after 
being  dropped,  be  reinstated  upon  application  made  in  open 
Lodge  by  a member  thereof,  whicli  shall  be  held  over  until 
the  second  meeting  thereafter,  the  Secretary  reading  the 
same  at  each  meeting,  and  be  determined  affirmatively  on 
a ballot  bv  a majority  ot  the  votes  cast,  and  upon  payment 
of  such  amount  as  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  may  prescribe. 

^2  If  a brother  dropped  for  non-payment  of  dues  from 
membership  in  this  Lodge  shall,  after  one  year  from  being- 
dropped,  make  application  for  reinstatement,  his  application 
shall  be  treated  like  a proposition  for  membership  by  initia- 
tion, e.Kcept  that  the  vote  of  a majority  on  ballot  shall  rein- 
state him. 

^ 3.  A brother  dropped  from  membership  in  this  Lodge 
who  may  have  been  in  membership  in  the  Order  for  five 
consecutive  years  and  who  may  be  over  fifty  years  of  age 
may  be  reinstated  as  a non-beneficial  member,  by  a majority 
on  ballot.  His  application  must  state  age,  occupation  and 
residence,  and  be  disposed  of  as  required  in  the  preceding 
section. 

^4  A brother  dropped  from  membership  in  this  Lodge 
who  shall,  at  any  time  within  five  years  from  being  dropped, 
make  written  application  for  reinstatement  and  a withdraw- 
al card  for  the  purpose  of  joining  another  Lodge  in  Illinois, 
may  be  reinstated  and  granted  a withdrawal  card  by  a ma- 
jority vote  upon  ballot;  and  the  reinstating  vote  shall  grant 
the  card  also,  without  further  ballot.  But  such  application 
may,  at  the  option  of  the  Lodge,  be  referred  to  a committee 
for  investigation,  and  shall  be  reported  upon  and  acted  on  as 
soon  thereafter  as  practicable. 

§ 5,  A member  expelled  by  this  Lodge  may  apply  in 
writing  for  reinstatement  The  application  shall  be  refer, 
red  to  a committee  of  three,  who  shall  ascertain  whether 
the  applicant  has  made  such  reformation,  reparation  or  apol- 
ogy as  is  appropriate,  and  shall  report  to  the  Lodge.  After 
reception  of  the  report,  the  Lodge  shall  ballot  on  the  appli- 
cation. If  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  shall  vote  in 
favor  of  reinstatement,  the  Secretary  shall  write  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  permission  to  reinstate  him  ; and  if  it  be  granted. 


L6 


Constitution, 


he  shall  be  thereby  reinstated.  No  expelled  member  shad 
be  reinstated  without  the  payment  of  the  same  fee  that  is 
required  of  an  initiate  of  the  same  age.  But  members  ex- 
pelled for  non-payment  betbre  such  action  was  forbidden 
shall  be  reinstated  as  dropped  members. 

Article  IX. — -Cakds,  Dismiss.m.  Certificates,  and 
Resignation. 

Section  i.  A member  of  this  Lodge  may  end  his  mem- 
bership therein  bv  taking  a withdrawal  card  or  a dismissal 
certificate;  and  he  may  end  his  membership  in  this  Lodge 
and  in  the  Order  also  by  presenting  a writen  resignation^  of 
membership.  No  resignation  of  membership  or  application 
for  withdrawal  card  shall  be  entertained  from  any  one  who 
is  not  clear  on  the  books. 

2.  A withdrawal  card  may  be  granted  to  any  member 
bv  vote  of  a maioritv  upon  ballot  at  a regular  meeting. 
Application  therefor  must  be  made  by  the  member  in  per- 
son or  in  writing,  and  shall  lie  over  one  week  for  final  action, 
except  that  when  the  applicant  has  left  the  vicinity  of  the 
Lodge,  or  it  is  his  known  purpose  to  leave  before  the  next 
meedng,  or  to  join  in  a petition  for  a new  Lodge,  the  card 
mav  be  granted  without  delay.  , 

if  3.  If  the  Lodge  refuses  to  grant  a withdrawal  card  ap-  , 
plied  for,  the  applicant  may  tender  a written  resignation  of  j 
membership;  he  shall  then  be  entitled  to  receive  from  the  1 
Secretary  a certificate,  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  that  he  ^ 
has  resigned  membership,  as  evidence  of  his  good  standing  J 

at  that  time.  , 1 ’ 

^ 4.  A visiting  card  may  be  granted  to  any  member  by 
vote  of  the  Lodge  at  regular  or  special  meeting;  but  it  shall 
not  be  made  out  until  he  shall  have  paid  all  charges  on  the 
books,  his  dues  to  the  expiration  of  the  card,  and  the  price 

of  the  card.  , , , . r 1 

iS  y Dismissal  certiticates  shall  be  granted  by  this  Lodge, 
and  issued  by  the  Noble  Grand  and  Secretary  without  vote 
of  the  Lodge,  upon  proper  written  applicatioii  therefor,  and 
the  payment  of  one  dollar,  in  these  cases:  (i)  To  a member 
dropped  for  five  years  who  wishes  to  join  a Lodge  in  this 


Constitution, 


17 


jurisdiction,  which  fact  shall  appear  in  the  application  ; (2) 
To  any  dropped  member  wishing  to  join  a Lodge  in  anoth- 
er iurisdiction,  which  fact  shall  appear  in  the  application; 
(3)  To  any  dropped  member  to  whom  reinstatement  has 
been  refused. 

The  Lodge  may,  in  its  discretion,  by  a majoritj^  vote  of 
the  members  present,  also  grant  such  certificates  to  mem- 
bers who  have  been  dropped  for  a less  time  t.  an  five  years, 
who  wish  to  join  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction. 

Article  X. — Fees,  Dues,  Benefits,  and  Funds. 

Section  i No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  membership 
or  reinstated  in  this  Lodge,  or  receive  any  of  the  degrees,  or 
a card,  until  he  shall  have  paid  the  amount  required  there- 
for by  this  Constitution  or  the  by-laws.  When  dues  and 
special  assessments  or  fines  stand  charged  upon  account, 
the  payments  made  shall  apply  to  these  in  the  order  of  their 
accruing. 

g 2.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  membership  in 
this  Lodge  for  a less  sum  than  is  herein  provided,  viz: 

By  initiation,  five  dollars ; by  deposit  of  card,  two  dollars ; 
as  an  Ancient  Odd-Fellow  five  dollars;  and  as  a non-benefi- 
cial  member,  five  dollars. 

§ 3.  The  fee  for  each  degree  shall  be  not  less  than  three 
dollars. 

g 4.  No  member  shall  be  reinstated  after  having  been 
dropped  for  non-payment  of  dues  for  less  sums  than  are 
herein  provided,  viz : 

Under  Article  VIII,  g i,  of  this  Constitution,  the  amount 
of  one  year’s  dues,  neither  more  nor  less;  under  Art.  VIII, 
g 2,  the  same  fee  as  is  charged  for  an  initiate  of  the  same 
age,  or  such  lesser  sum  (not  less  than  one  year’s  dues)  as 
the  by-laws  may  prescribe;  under  Art.  VIII,  g 3,  a sum 
not  less  than  one  year’s  dues;  under  Art.  Till,  g 4,  the 
amount  of  one  year’s  dues  and  the  price  of  a card. 

g 5.  The  regular  contributions  to  the  Lodge  fund  shall 
not  be  at  a less  rate  than  seven  cents  a week,  to  be  deter- 
mined by  the  by-laws ; but  the  Lodge  shall  by  its  by-laws 


18 


Cortstitution, 


prescribe  soine  less  rate,  not  exceeding  five  cents  a week, 
for  the  dues  of  non-beneficial  members. 

§ 6.  The  Lodge  may  by  its  by-laws  require  such  further 
conlrihutions,  for  a Widows-and-Orphans’  Fund,  an  Educa- 
tion Fund,  a Funeral  Assessment  or  Fund,  or  for  any  other 
fund  suitable  to  the  purposes  of  the  Order,  for  either  or  all  of 
them,  as  the  Lodge  shall  determine. 

^7.  A beneficiary  member  shall  be  any  one  who  has 
been  for  six  months  a member  by  initiation  of  this  Lodge 
(or  of  the  Order,  if  admitted  to  membership  in  this  Lodge 
upon  an  unexpired  withdrawal  card),  as  an  Ancient  Odd- 
Fellow,  or  by  reinstatement  after  dropping  or  expulsion; 
who  is  under  no  complaint  or  charges  of  misconduct;  and 
who  is  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues;  a 
member  reinstated  after  suspension  shall  be  beneficiary  im- 
mediatelj’  upon  reinstatement,  subject  to  the  foregoing  pro-  , 
visions  in  relation  to  dues.  Provided,  However,  that  this 
Lodge,  by  proper  by-law  may  enact  that  if  a member  shall 
become  non- beneficiary  by  reason  of  being  more  than  thir- 
teen weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,  he  shall,  before  he  can  be- 
come benefixiary,  pay  all  arrears  for  dues,  assessments,  and  ^ 
fines;  and  such  by-law  may  provide  that,  as  a penalty,  such  ' 
non-beneficiary  member  shall  not  become  beneficiary  for  a ■ 
period  subsequent  to  such  payment  not  exceeding  thirteen  'f 
weeks.  | 

§ 8.  Every  beneficiary  member  of  this  Lodge,  in  case  of 
sickness  or  disability  not  caused  by  yice  or  immorality  on  0 
his  part,  shall  be  entitled  to  and  receive  from  the  funds  of^ 
the  Lodge  such  weekly  benefits  as  may  be  fixed  by  the  by-  I 
laws,  not  less  than  three  dollars  a week  if  of  the  Scarlet  De- 
gree, nor  less  than  two  dollars  if  of  a lower  degree. 
But  no  sick  benefits  shall  be  allowed  for  less  than  a 
week’s  sickness,  or  for  the  fractional  part  of  a week. 

§ 9.  In  case  of  the  death  of  an  unsuspended  member  of 
this  Lodge,  there  shall  be  allowed  not  less  than  twenty  dol-' 
lars  as  a funeral  benefit,  and  such  further  sum  as  may  be 
necessary  to  defray  reasonable  funeral  expenses:  Provided, 
However,  that  in  case  the  Lodge  shall  have  expended 
money  for  funeral  expenses  with  the  consent  of  the  family. 


Constitution, 


19 


then  it  may  apply  the  funeral  benefit  toward  the  funeral  ex- 
penses. 

^ lo.  Every  person  admitted  or  reinstated  as  a non -ben- 
eficial member  shall  be  entitled  to  all  the  rights,  privileges 
and  adv^antages  of  membership  except  benefits,  and  shall  be 
subject  to  penalties  and  disabilities  as  other  members.  And 
no  benefits  shall  be  allowed  to  any  non-beneficial  member, 
nor  shall  any  pecuniary  relief  be  extended  to  such  member 
from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  except  upon  the  recommenda- 
tion of  some  committee. 

§ II.  The  special  funds  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  sacredly 
devoted  to  the  purposes  for  which  they  may  be  raised ; and 
the  general  fund  shall  be  considered  sacredly  pledged  to  the 
relief  of  distressed  brothers,  the  payments  of  benefits,  the 
furnishing  of  the  Lodge-room,  and  such  other  necessary 
expenses  as  are  and  may  be'  recognized  and  authorized  by 
the  laws  of  the  Order. 

§ 12.  The  stocks,  securities,  investments  and  funds  of 
this  Lodge  shall  not  be  transferred,  in  whole  or  in  part,  but 
by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  at  a regular 
meeting.  The  resolution  therefor  shall  have  been  presen- 
ted at  least  one  week  before  final  action. 

Article  XI. — Terms  And  Returns. 

Section  i.  Semi-annual  terms  shall  commence  on  the 
first  regular  meetings  in  January  and  July;  the  annual  term, 
on  the  first  regular  meeting  in  January. 

§ 2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  officers,  at  the  close  of 
each  semi-annual  term,  to  prepare  and  forward  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  immediately,  a full  report  of  the  work  of  the  term, 
upon  the  blank  forms  furnished  from  the  office  of  the  Grand 
Secretary  and  in  conformity  with  the  instructions  of  that 
officer,  accompanied  by  whatever  amount  may  be  due  to 
the  Grand  Lodge:  and  at  the  close  of  each  annual  term,  in 
like  manner,  the  Annual  Report  of  Membership. 

§ 3.  This  Lodge  shall  forfeit  its  charter  if  it  fails  to  com- 
ply with  the  requisitions  and  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  and 
in  such  case  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  last-installed  officers 


20 


Constitution, 


to  comply  with  the  provisions  of  the  first  and  second  sections 
of  Article  II  of  the  By-Laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Article  XII. — Construction,  Amendment.s,  etc. 

Section  i.  When  doubts  arise  of  the  true  meaning  of 
any  of  these  articles,  it  shall  be  determined  by  the  Noble 
Grand,  his  determination  being  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the 
Lodge,  and  its  determination  being  subject  to  an  appeal  to 
the  Grand  Lodge,  whose  decision  shall  be  final  in  all  cases. 

§ 2.  These  articles,  or  any  part  thereof,  shall  not  be  al- 
tered, amended,  suspended,  or  annulled,  except  on  motion 
made  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  at  a regular  session,  in  writing; 
and  such  motion  shall  not  be  finally  acted  upon  on  the  day 
of  its  presentation. 

§ 3.  This  Lodge  shall  stand  fully  invested  with  power 
to  adopt  such  by^-laws  and  rules  of  order,  from  time  to  time, 
as  may'  be  deemed  expedient,  provided  they  do  not  in  anv 
wise  contravene  any  of  these  articles,  the  laws  and  Con- 
stitution of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Illinois  or  of  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd-Fel- 
lows, or  the  principles  of  the  Order;  a copy^  of  which  shall 
be  sent  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  its  approval  at  its  next  regu- 
lar session.  The  by'-law^s  shall  not  be  suspended,  set  aside, 
or  altered,  except  by  regular  process  of  amendment,  a writ- 
ten proposition  for  which  shall  have  been  before  the  Lodge 
at  least  one  week. 


ARTICLE  YI.— DEGREES. 

Sec.  1.  Brothers  who  have  been  in  membership  one 
week  shall  be  eligible  for  degrees,  but  not  more  than  two 
degrees  shall  be  conferred  on  a brother  at  the  same  meet- 
ing, except  under  dispensation ; and  degrees  may  be  con- 
ferred upon  a brother  who  has  been  a member  of  the  Or- 
der less  than  one  week,  under  dispensation. 

Sec.  2.  The  application  of  a member  who  desires  to  re- 
ceive any  aegree  shall  be  presented  at  a regular  meeting. 
It  must  specify  the  degree  or  degrees  desired,  and  be  ac- 
companied by  the  tee  therefor.  The  application  shall  be 
acted  on  by  a ballot  vote.  The  ballot-box  shall  be  placed 
on  a stand  near  the  center  of  the  room,  and  the  Noble 
Grand  shall  supervise  the  balloting,  proceeding  according 
to  Sec.  6 of  Art.  II  of  this  Constitution;  but  the  conferring 
of  the  degrees  may  be  done  at  special  meetings  called  for 
that  purpose. 


ARTICLE  VII.— DROPPING,  TRIALS,  AND  PENALTIES. 

Sec.  5.  Whenever  a charge  or  charges  are  preferred 
against  a member,  they  shall  be  read  in  open  Lodge,  at  a 
regular  meeting.  The  Secretary  shall  immediately  furnish 
a copy  thereof,  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  to  the  mem- 
ber so  accused,  and  at  the  same  time  cite  said  member  to 
a^Spear  before  the  Lodge  at  the  second  regular  meeting 
thereafter,  to  answer  thereto.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of 
the  Secretary,  upon  receiving  from  the  committee  a list  of 
the  names  of  the  witnesses  required  to  sustain  the  com- 
plaint, to  cite  them  to  appear  before  the  Lodge,  as  also 
those  who  may  be  required  by  the  accused,  to  give  testi- 
mony at  the  time  ot  trial,  provided  said  witnesses  be 
members  of  the  Order,  and  have  the  degree  in  whioh  the 
trial  is  t-^  'be  held;  but  if  such  witnesses  are  not  qualified 
as  aforesaid,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  appoint  one  or  more 
members  having  the  Third  Degree  as  a committee,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  take  the  testimony  of  such  witnesses, 
and  return  the  same,  in  writing,  to"^  the  Noble  Grand,  or 
[Secretary,  by  the  evening  set  for  trial— the  accused  mem- 
ber being  first  notified  of  the  time  and  place  of  taking 
mch  testimony. 


Sec.  7.  The  Lodge  at  said  second  regular  meeting,  or  at 
such  other  time  as  may  then  be  fixed,  shall  open  in  the 
highest  degree  which  the  accused  has  attained,  if  he  be 
not  of  the  Third  Degree,  and  shall  proceed  with  the  in- 
vestigation or  trial  of  the  case,  with  a full  hearing  of  all 
testimony  and  the  defense  of  the  accused  member.  The 
oral  testimony  shall  be  reduced  to  writing  as  it  is  given, 
and  made  part  of  the  record.  The  Lodge  shall  then  pro- 
ceed to  vote  upon  the  charge  or  charges  preferred ; but  no 
member  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  unless  he  were  present 
during  the  whole  of  the  hearing  the  testimony  and  of  the 
arguments  thereon.  If  the  charges  be  sustained,  in  whole 
or  in  part,  by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  entitled 
to  vote  on  the  question,  the  accused  shall  retire  to  the  ante- 
room. The  Secretary  shall  then  read  to  the  Lodge  the 
charge  or  charges  or  part  or  parts  thereof,  that  have  been 
sustained,  when  the  Noble  Grand,  without  motion,  shall 
proceed  to  put  to  vote  the  highest  order  of  punishment — 
expulsion;  and  if  that  be  not  agreed  to,  he  shall  put  the 
next — suspension;  and  shall  so  proceed  until  some  order 
of  punishment  is  agreed  to  by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  the 
members  present.  One  penalty  only  shall  be  inflicted  as 
the  result  ot  one  trial. 

Sec.  19  If  three  members  of  a Lodge  in  which  charges 
may  be  preferred  against  a member  are.  of  opinion  that 
the  accused  will  not  receive  an  impartial  trial  at  the  hands 
of  the  Lodge,  and  present  such  opinion  in  writing,  such 
paper,  together  with  such  evidence  as  may  be  desired 
bearing  upon  the  question  of  prejudice  in  the  Lodge, 
shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Grand  Master;  and  if  he  order 
the  case  changed  to  another  Lodge,  then,  when  the  regir 
ter  of  written  evidence  is  reported  by  the  committee,  and 
the  case  is  ready  for  the  hearing  of  oral  testimony,  if  any, 
the  trial  shall  be  removed  to  the  named  Lodge. 


^ABTICLEVIIJ,— -REINSTATEMENTS. 


RULES  OF  ORDER. 


licLK  1.  Vhen  the  pr  esiding  oflicer  tMkesJ  the  chair,  the  officers'  and 
members?  she- II  take  their  respective  seats;  and  at  the  sound  of  the  ga- 
vel there  sh.iP  be  general  silence. 

•J.  The  following  shall  be  the 


ORDER  OF  BUSINESS. 


I.  — Calling  the  roll  of  Officers. 

II.  — Presentation  of  Cards  of  Visitors  in  waiting, 

and  reception  of  visitors. 

[Cards  should  also  be  received  ai  any  later  time 
during  the  session.] 

in.  -Reading  and  disposing  of  Records. 

— Does  any  brother  know  of  a sick  brother, 
LrTo  aL  ^ brother  in  distress.'* 

v..;ommunications  read  and  referred. 

the  Secrect.  i-  From  the  Grand  Lodge, 
the  names  o 2.  From  other  Lodges, 
plaint,  to  C'  3-  From  Persons, 
those  who  l 4-  Bills  against  the  Lodge. 

members  of  nsideration  of  previous  proposals  for 
:rial  is  U membership  or  reinstatement. 


IS  aforesaia, 
nembers  having 
luty  it  shall  be 


^f'T'-orts  of  Investigating  Committees. 


22 


Rules  of  Order* 


VII.  — Reports  of  Committees  and  Officers. 

1.  Of  Trustees. 

2.  Of  Visiting  Committee. 

3.  Of  Finance  Committee. 

4.  Of  other  Standing  Committees. 

5.  Of  Speciat  Committees,  by  seniority. 

6.  Of  IVeasurer — first  meeting  of  each  month. 

7.  Of  Secretaries  and  Treasurer — at  close  of  term. 

VIII.  — Unfinished  Business. 

1.  Excuses  ot  Absentees. 

2.  The  special  order  of  the  evening. 

3.  Other  matters  on  the  records. 

IX.  — New  Business. 

1.  Proposals  for  Membership  or  Reinstatement. 

2.  Applications  for  Degrees. 

3.  Applications  for  Cards  or  Dismissal  Certificates. 

4.  Resignations  of  Office  or  of  Membership. 

5.  Nominations  for  Office. 

6.  Elections. 

7.  Installation. 

8.  Appointments. 

9.  Resolutions  and  motions. 

X.  — Good  of  the  Order. 

1.  Has  any  brother  any  thing  to  offer  for  the  Good 
of  the  Order.? 

2.  Are  there  any  cases  requiring  the  Charity  of 
the  Order.? 

XI.  — Announcements. 

1.  Of  Special  Meetings. 

2.  Of  Miscellaneous  matters. 

3.  Of  Receipts  of  the  evening  in  detail — by  the 
Permanent  Secretary. 

4.  Of  Disbursements  of  the  evening  in  detail — by 
the  Recording  Secretary. 

XII.  — Closing  the  Lodge. 


Rules  Of  Order. 


23 


3,  The  presidiiis:  eflicer  shnll  preserve  order  and  decornm.  and  pro- 
nounce the  decision  of  the  Lodge  on  all  questions.  He  may  speak  on 
points  of  order  in  prelerence  toother  members,  rising  from  his  seat 
for  that  purpose.  He  shall  decide  all  points  of  order  without  debate, 
unless  he  entertain  doubts  on  the  point,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the 
Lodge  by  any  two  members,  on  which  appeal  no  member  shall  speak 
more  than  once. 

4,  Previously  to  taking  the  vote  on  any  subject,  the  Chairman  shall 
in  an  audible  voice  ask,  Is  the  Lodge  ready  for  the  question?”  after 
which,  if  no  member  rise  to  speak,  he  shall  rise  and  put  the  question. 

5,  No  member  shall  speak  to  another,  or  otherwise  interrupt  the 
business  of  the  Lodge,  while  the  minutes  are  being  read,  or  while  any 
member  is  addressing  the  Chair. 

t).  No  member  shall  disturb  another  while  addressing  the  Chair, 
unless  to  call  him  to  order.  No  member  shall  rise  from  his  seat  while 
another  member  is  speaking,  nor  on  any  pretense  shall  one  pass  be- 
tween the  speaking  member  ai  d the  presiding  officer. 

7.  No  member  shall  speak  on  any  question  belore  the  Lodge  unless 
he  rise  from  his  seat  and  respectfully  address  the  Chair.  A member 
speaking  shall  confine  himself  to  the  subject  under  debate,  and  shall’ 
use  no  ptrsonai,  indecorous  or  sarcastic  laneauge,  to  reflect  on  the 
Lodge  or  its  members;  and  when  his  speech  shall  have  been  conclud- 
ed, he  shall  resume  his  seat. 

s.  If  two  members,  or  more  than  two,  rise  at  the  samt  time  to  speak, 
the  Chair  shall  decide  which  is  entitled  to  the  floor. 

9.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  once  on  the  «ame  subject  un- 
less all  the  members  present  wishii  g to  speak  shall  have  had  an  op- 
portunity to  do  so,  nor  more  than  twice  without  permission  from  the 
Chair;  and  no  member  wl  ile  speaking  shall  name  another  except  by 
the  appropriate  title  designating  his  rank  in  the  Order. 

10.  Whenever  a member  while  speaking  shall  be  called  to  order, 
he  shall  resume  his  seat  until  the  question  is  settled  and  leave  is  giv- 
en him  to  proceed. 

11.  No  motion  shall  be  debated  until  the  same  be  seconded  and 
stated  to  the  Lodge  bv  the  chair;  and  any  motion  shall  be  reduced  to 
writing  on  the  request  ol  any  member. 

12.  When  a question  is  before  the  Lodge,  no  motion  shall  be  in 
Older  but  these  : (1)  to  adjourn,  or  its  equivalent,  to  proceed  to  close; 
(2)  to  lay  on  the  table;  (3)  the  pievious  question;  (4)  to  postpone  in- 
definitely; (5)  to  postpone  to  a certain  time;  (6)  to  commit;  (7)  to  amend : 
and  these  motions  shall  be  priviledged,  and  have  precedence  in  the 
order  in  which  they  are  made  to  succeed  each  other  bv  this  rule;  and 
motions  to  adjourn,  to  proceed  to  close,  to  lay  on  the  table,  and  for 
the  previous  question,  shall  be  oecided  without  debate. 

When  the  previous  question  is  n’oved  and  seconded,  it  shall  be 
put  at  once  in  these  words:  “ Shall  the  main  question  be  now  put?” 
If  decided  in  the  affirmative,  the  debate  ceases,  and  the  Chair  puts  to 
vote  all  pending  amendments,  in  their  pioper  order,  and  the  main 
question:  if  tne  jirevious  question  be  decided  in  the  i egative,  the 
question  shall  remain  before  the  Lodge,  as  before. 

14.  When  a blank  is  to  be  filled,  and  different  sums,  numbers  or 


24 


Rules  of  Order, 


times  shall  be  proposed,  the  question  s lail  be  first  put  on  the  hii^liest 
sum  or  number,  ana  on  the  longest  and  latest  time. 

15.  Any  member  may  call  for  a division  of  the  question  when  it  can 
be  divided  ; but  a motion  to  strike  out  and  insert  shall  be  indivisible, 
except  at  the  option  of  the  mover. 

16.  If  the  reading  of  any  paper  be  called  for  and  it  be  objected  to  bv 
any  member,  the  question  shall  be  determined  by  a vote  of  the  Lodge 
without  debate. 

17.  Every  member  present  shall  vote  on  all  questions  before  the 
Lodge,  unless  the  Lodge  excuse  him  from  so  doing  for  special  reasons. 

18.  On  a call  for  the  yeas  and  nays  by  a majority  of  the  Lodge,  the 
name  of  each  member  voting  shall  be  entered  on  the  minutes. 

19.  When  a question  is  postponed  indefinitely,  it  shall  not  be  again 
acted  on  during  that  or  the  next  succeeding  meeting. 

20.  No  motion  shall  be  heard  for  a reconsideration  of  any  vote  of 
the  Lodge  unless  the  same  shall  be  made  by  a member  who  voted  with 
the  majority  in  the  first  instance. 

21.  Before  any  communication,  petition,  or  memorial,  shall  be  re- 
ceived and  read  by  the  Secretary,  a brief  statement  of  its  contents  shall 
be  made  verbally  to  the  Lodge,  either  by  the  member  presenting  the 
same  or  by  the  presiding  officer. 

22.  On  application  to  the  Chair,  au}'^  member  may  be  excused  from 
serving  on  a second  committee,  at  the  time  of  his  appointment  thereon, 
if  the  duties  of  the  first  committee  remain  unperformed,  and  the  appli- 
cant be  not  discharged  therefrom. 

23.  The  person  first  named  on  a committee  shall  act  as  chairman 
thereof,  unless  the  committee  select  a different  member  for  that  office. 
The  mover  and  seconder  of  a resolution  referred  to  a special  committee 
are  usually  the  first  named  thereon. 

24.  No  committee  can  be  finally  discharged  until  all  debts  contracted 
by  it  shall  have  been  paid. 

25.  The  consequences  of  any  measure  may  be  reprobated  in  strong 
terms  ; but  to  arraign  the  motives  of  those  who  propose  or  advocate  it 
is  a personality  and  against  order. 

26.  When  a member  shall  be  called  to  order  for  words  spoken,  the 
objectionable  words  shall  (if  required)  be  taken  down  in  writing  by  the 
Secretar5a 

27.  No  motion  can  be  made  by  one  member  while  another  is  speak- 
ing, and  no  motion  shall  be  received  unless  the  member  making  it  shall 
rise  and  address  the  Chair. 

28.  The  affirmative  of  a question  is  first  put,  then  the  negative  ; but 
in  matters  of  form,  or  of  course,  such  as  reading  reports,  petitions,  me- 
morials, or  other  papers,  withdrawing  motions,  etc.,  to  save  time,  the 
Chairman  usually  assumes  the  assent  of  the  Lodge  when,  on  inquiry,  no 
objection  is  expressed. 

29.  The  Chairman,  or  any  member,  doubting  the  decision  of  the 
Lodge,  may  cafl  a count  or  a division  of  the  votes. 

30.  All  questions  not  herein  provided  for  shall  be  decided  upon  the 
principles  laid  down  in  Robert’s  Rules  of  Order. 

31.  These  rules  of  order  may  be  temporarily  suspended  by  general 
consent  or  by  special  vote  of  two -thirds  of  the  members  present;  and 
they  maybe  permanently  amended  in  the  same  manner  as  the  by-laws. 


BY-LAWS. 


Article  I. — Meetings. 

Section  i.  This  I^odge  shall  hold  its  regular  meetings 
on  Tuesday  evening  of  each  week. 

§ 2.  The  hour  of  meeting  shall  be  at  7^  oclock,  p.  m. 

Article  II. — Fees,  Dues,  Funds,  and  Benefits. 

Section  i.  The  fees  for  admission  to  membership  in 
this  Lodge  shall  be  as  follows: 

For  admission  by  Initiation,  if  the  applicant  be  forty-five 
years  of  age  or  less,  $5.00;  if  over  forty-five,  i.oo  in  addition 
to  the  above  fee  for  each  additional  year  of  age  or  part 
thereof. 

For  admission  by  Card,  if  the  applicant  be  under  forty- 
five  years  of  age,  $2.00;  if  over  forty-five,  $1.00  in  addition  to 
the  above  fee  for  each  additional  five  years  of  age  or  part 
thereof. 

For  admission  as  an  Ancient  Odd-Teliow,  if  under  forty- 
five  years  of  age,  $5.00;  if  over  forty-five,  $1.00  in  addition 
to  the  above  fee  for  each  additional  five  years  of  age  or  part 
thereof. 

The  fees  for  reinstatement  after  dropping  shall  be  one 
year’s  dues  in  all  cases;  except  under  §4  ofxArt.  VIII  of  the 
Constitution,  when  the  price  of  a card  shall  be  added  there- 
to. 

The  fee  for  each  degree  shall  he  $5.00. 

§ 2.  Every  beneficial  member  of  this  Lodge  shall  pa^' 
into  its  funds  $1.25  a quarter.  Every  non-beneficial  mem- 
ber shall  pay  as  dues  25  cents  a quarter. 


26 


By-Laws, 


§ 3.  Should  there  be  less  than  $50  in  the  treasury  when 
a sick  benefit  is  called  for,  an  assessment,  the  amount  of 
which  shall  be  determined  by  the  Finance  Committee,  sub- 
ject to  the  revision  of  the  Lodge,  shall  be  laid  upon  the 
members  payable  immediately. 

§ 4.  When  a funeral  benefit  is  due  or  funeral  expenses 
accrue,  the  Permanent  Secretary  shall  enter  an  assessment 
of  50  eents  upon  each  member’s  account,  paj^able  imme- 
diately. 

§ 5.  The  fee  tor  a card  shall  be  35  cents;  but  it  a brother 
pays  a year’s  dues  in  advance,  he  shall  be  entitled  to  a visit- 
ing card  without  fee. 

§ 6.  The  sick  benefit  shall  be  $ 3 a week,  if  of  the  Scar- 
let Degree;  but  if  of  a lower  degree,  $ 2 a week. 

^ 7.  The  funeral  benefits  shall  be  $50. 

Article  III. — Sickness  and  Funerals;  Fines.  ^ 

Section  i.  Any  brother  becoming  sick  shall  send  notice 
thereof,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  some  member  of  the  Visiting  ; 
Committee.  No  brother  living  within  five  miles  of  the  ; 
Lodge-room  shall  be  entitled  to  benefits  whose  case  has  not  ^ 
been  reported  to  the  Visiting  Committee,  unless  it  shall  ap-  ‘ 
pear  that  he  used  due  diligence  to  report  himself  to  them;j 
and  no  benefits  shall  be  allowed  for  more  than  one  week’s  j 
sickness  prior  to  suchY^otice  being  sent  to  the  Committee.  | 

§ 2.  If  a beneficial  member  of  this  Lodge  be  sick  away  i 
from  home,  the  certificate  of  a physician  in  good  standing,  t 
and,  if  within  reach  of  a Lodge,  also  a duly-authenticated  \ 
certificate  from  such  Lodge,  giving  the  date  and  nature  of 
his  sickness,  and  such  other  evidence  as  the  Lodge  may  de- 
mand, shall  entitle  him  to  benefits. 

g 3.  Upon  the  death  of  a brother  who  is  an  unsuspended 
member  of  this  Lodge,  or  of  a traveling  brother  entitled  to 
burial  by  the  Order  deceased  near  this  Lodge,  the  Noble 
Grand  shall  solicit  the  permission  of  the  family  of  the  de- 
ceased to  conduct  the  funeral  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
Order;  and  upon  obtaining  their  consent,  he,  in  concert 


By-Laws, 


27 


with  the  Visiting  Committee,  shall  take  charge  of  the  fune- 
ral, or  co-operate  with  the  friends  or  family  in  making  ar- 
rangements ; and  he  shall  cause  the  Secretary'  to  notify  the 
members  of  the  Lodge  to  assemble  and  attend  the  funeral. 

g 4.  Failure  to  attend  as  a watcher  with  a sick  brother 
or  at  the  funeral  of  a brother,  when  notified  to  watch  or  in 
any  way  informed  of  the  funeral,  is  an  offence,  the  penalty 
of  which  shall  be  a fine  of  $ 3.00;  and  if  it  be  accompanied 
bv  aggravating  circumstances,  such  other  penalty  may  be 
inflicted  in  lieu  of  fine  as  the'  Lodge  may  determine.  A 
practicing  physician  may  be  exempt  from  watching. 

Reasonable  excuse  may  be  offered  in  bar  or  mitigation  of 
the  above  fines,  opportunity  for  which  shall  always  be  al- 
lowed, and  the  matter  shall  be  decided  by  the  Noble  Grand; 
and  any  appeal  from  his  summary  decision  must  be  taken 
at  the  time  thereof. 

Article  IV. — Amendments.  ^ 

These  By-Laws  shall  not  be  repealed,  amended,  or  added 
to,  unless  a written  resolution  embodying  the  proposed  al- 
teration shall  have  been  submitted  and  read  on  at  least  two 
regular  meetings  previous  to  that  at  which  action  is  had  on 
the  proposition  ; and  the  resolution  shall  be  adopted  only  by 
a vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  voting  members  present. 


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Z'  UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOI8-URBANA 


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